Dr Pickles vs Mad Rabbit, Which Should You Buy?
Australia's purpose-built tattoo balm versus the American direct-to-consumer challenger. Both vegan. Dr Pickles is the stronger pick for fresh ink; Mad Rabbit is better on healed touch-ups and brightening older work.
Dr Pickles wins overall, for most users.
Glow's editorial team tested both brands across 12 weeks. Here's where each one wins.
Dr Pickles vs Mad Rabbit, compared.
| Dimension | Dr Pickles | Mad Rabbit |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Dr Pickles ✓ Australian, Gold Coast formulated, sold nationally. |
Mad Rabbit American direct-to-consumer brand, shipped to Australia. |
| Formula | Dr Pickles ● Plant-based, lanolin-free, vegan. |
Mad Rabbit ● Shea-and-cocoa base with a fresh herbal scent, vegan. |
| Best for fresh ink | Dr Pickles ✓ Light, non-occlusive, our panel's pick from day zero. |
Mad Rabbit Sits heavier than Dr Pickles on day-zero fresh ink and clears slower. |
| Healed touch-ups and older ink | Dr Pickles Good all-rounder but not specifically a brightening product. |
Mad Rabbit ✓ Solid on healed touch-ups and on brightening older ink. |
| Price and availability | Dr Pickles ✓ Around AU$24.99 for 75g, Chemist Warehouse nationally. |
Mad Rabbit Around AU$22, direct-to-consumer only. |
| GLOW Score | Dr Pickles ✓ 9.2 / 10. Best overall. |
Mad Rabbit 7.0 / 10. Best DTC option for healing. |
✓ = wins this dimension · ● = tie
When Dr Pickles wins.
You want the best fresh-ink healing, local availability and a balm purpose-built for new tattoos.
When Mad Rabbit wins.
You mainly want to maintain and brighten older or healed tattoos, and you're happy ordering direct-to-consumer.
Common questions.
Is Dr Pickles better than Mad Rabbit?
For fresh ink, yes. Dr Pickles scored 9.2 to Mad Rabbit's 7.0 in GLOW's 2026 test and sits lighter on a new tattoo. Mad Rabbit is the better choice for maintaining and brightening older ink.
Is Mad Rabbit good for tattoos?
It's a solid vegan option, strongest on healed touch-ups and brightening older work. On day-zero fresh ink it sits heavier than Dr Pickles and clears more slowly.
Are both vegan?
Yes, both Dr Pickles and Mad Rabbit are vegan.
Where can I buy them in Australia?
Dr Pickles is at Chemist Warehouse nationally and in many studios. Mad Rabbit is mostly direct-to-consumer online.
Related from Glow.
Best tattoo balm in Australia · Dr Pickles review · Just got a tattoo, what to use